Says Chastain, 36: "When I'm engaged someday – who knows to who – I'll probably be more open about it."

The actress, who earned back-to-back Oscar nominations for her roles in The Help and Zero Dark Thirty, explains that she wants to make sure a relationship will go the distance before going public with it.

"Seeing all these interviews with actors talking about loves of their lives and then they break up in a year and you're thinking, 'What if something happens and they end up being a total jerk?' " says Chastain. "Then you forever have these pictures of you standing on the red carpets together."

The actress has been notoriously private about her love life over the years – but she did make a public appearance with de Preposulo in February at the Women in Film 6th annual Pre-Oscar Cocktail Party, where they were spotted kissing and hugging.